Diethylstilbestrol

How does it work?

Diethylstilbestrol (previously known as stilboestrol in the UK) is a powerful synthetic form of the main female sex hormone, oestrogen.

Diethylstilbestrol is occasionally used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Prostate cancers are sensitive to testosterone and their growth is increased in the presence of this hormone. Diethylstilbestrol works by reducing the production of testosterone. This starves the prostate cancer cells of testosterone, which slows down their growth. Eventually this may cause the prostate tumour to shrink.

Diethylstilbestrol may also be used, at higher doses, to treat breast cancer in post-menopausal women. It is not fully understood how it works in this situation, but it brings about a reduction in tumour size.

The medicine comes as tablets that are taken by mouth once a day.

What is it used for?

Warning!

This medicine may increase the chance of getting a blood clot in a vein, eg in the leg
(deep vein thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), or a blood clot in an artery, eg
causing a
stroke or a
heart attack. Your doctor may prescribe you another medicine to reduce the risk of this. You should stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if
you get any of the following symptoms during treatment: stabbing pains
and/or unusual swelling, warmth or tenderness in an arm or leg, pain on breathing or coughing, coughing up
blood, sudden breathlessness or sudden severe chest pain.

Tell your doctor if you experience any yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice) while you are taking this medicine.

If you are going to have any surgery your doctor may want you to stop taking this medicine beforehand. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Use with caution in

Not to be used in

Liver disease.

Breast cancer in women who have not yet passed the menopause.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It should only be used to treat breast cancer in women who have passed the menopause. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Nausea and vomiting.

Fluid retention, which may cause swollen feet and ankles or weight gain.

Tiredness.

Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts in men (gynaecomastia).

Impotence in men.

Decreased sex drive in men.

Vaginal bleeding in women when treatment is stopped. This is normal and should correct itself.

Bone pain in women.

Increased level of calcium in the blood in women.

Increased risk of blood clots (see warning section above).

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).

Headache.

Hair thinning.

Skin rashes or darkening of the skin.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines
you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and
herbal medicines, before you start taking this medicine. Similarly, check
with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this
one, to make sure that the
combination is safe.

Diethylstilbestrol may oppose the effect of diuretics such as frusemide and reduce the effects of certain medicines used to treat high blood pressure.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

Diethylstilbestrol is only available generically, ie without a brand name.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.